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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:*

September 30, 2024




*Media Contact:
*Danny Wimmer <[email protected]>






AG Nessel Launches Investigation into Alleged Fraudulent Pet Adoption Scheme 





*LANSING* - Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has launched an investigation (PDF) [ [link removed] ] into an unknown individual using the alias “Abby Stratiskii” on the pet adoption website RescueMe.org. Stratiskii is accused of misleading Michigan consumers by allegedly falsifying vaccination records for an animal sold through the website. Last week, the Department of Attorney General issued Civil Investigative Subpoenas to Facebook (Meta Platforms, Inc.), the operators of the Rescue Me website (World Organization d/b/a Rescue Me), and a company that issued a rabies tag (PETIQ, LLC) in an effort to uncover Stratiskii’s true identity. 

In May 2024, the individual under investigation, under the name Abby Stratiskii, allegedly posted her dog, “Toby,” on RescueMe.org for adoption, claiming she needed to rehome him after receiving an eviction notice due to his barking. RescueMe.org permits third parties, including individuals and shelters, to list animals for adoption. Two Michigan consumers saw the listing, paid Stratiskii a $250 “adoption fee,” and received Toby’s veterinary and vaccination records. It is alleged these records were falsified. The Department has identified at least two similar animal adoption postings linked to Stratiskii. 

“Animal lovers want to provide homes for pets in need,” Nessel said. “Unfortunately, bad actors sometimes take advantage of this generosity. When looking to adopt online, consumers need to be vigilant against those looking to deceive them. My office is dedicated to protecting consumers by investigating and uncovering these scammers and using all available tools at our disposal to hold them accountable.” 

The Attorney General is reissuing her consumer alert on puppy scams [ [link removed] ] to provide Michiganders with tips to avoid being scammed when purchasing dogs online. Attorney General Nessel also encourages anyone who may have adopted a pet from Stratiskii or may have information concerning Stratiskii’s true identity to contact the Department’s Consumer Protection Team. To file a complaint with the Attorney General, or get additional information, contact:   

Consumer Protection Team [ [link removed] ] 
P.O. Box 30213 
Lansing, MI 48909 
517-335-7599 
Fax: 517-241-3771 
Toll-free: 877-765-8388 
Online complaint form [ [link removed] ]

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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Michigan Attorney General · G. Mennen Williams Building, 7th Floor · 525 W. Ottawa St., P.O. Box 30212 · Lansing, MI 48909 · 517-373-1100